Just to fetch a spoon,Gita wouldn’t have switched on the light, as light from the other room partly fell into the kitchen. But the act kept her from treading on a deadly Krait, that lay prostrate diagonally across her sprawling kitchen.

It was about two metres long, with transverse stripes of black and brilliant yellow, like a strip from a woollen scarf.Now Gita needed no introduction at our place, for she was a benevolent, loving and giving person who kept her stores forever stuffed to tide the onslaught of guests and surprise visits.But such a surprise visit like this could in no way be her cup of tea. Such a caller right indoors!She being alone at home then , ran out and tried to call for the guards.But the guest left after some prodding with a stick against the floor, luckily.

About Krait

The Krait occupies an elevated status amongst snakes, for, perhaps the intense toxicity of its venom which is sixteen times more than that of the cobra. It is nocturnal, generally docile but hardly restrains itself from showing its true colours if tampered with.The variety described here is found in Srilanka, India and Pakistan.

Bite

Krait venom contains pre synaptic neuro toxins that prevent chemicals from sending message to the corresponding nerve.

There isn’t much local symptoms such as pain or bleeding.This leaves the victims unaware, depriving them of emergency treatment. 

The onset of drowsiness, blurring vision,abdominal cramps, proximal paralysis, respiratory failure, coma leading to brain death are the results that show up gradually within six to twelve hours.

Before long these life threatening symptoms strike, administration of antivenins become futile.

Could there be anything worse? The farmers in certain snake infested parts, unwittingly shared their living space with these creatures, who sneaked in quietly to lie down beside them. Being poor, they usually slept on the ground  and sometimes accidentally thrust their limbs on them only to be struck with a final dose. 

Snakes, otherwise are an important member of the food chain and should be left in peace.